Black male group rolls out plan to curb violence in community

The leader of an organization trying to steer young black men away from a life of crime rolled out a eight-step plan Thursday for curbing violence in the Columbus and Phenix City areas.

Minister Antonio Carter of the National Joshua Generation unveiled the plan during a news conference at the City Services Center, where he had hoped to draw 100 black men. About 55 people were in attendance, most of them black males of various ages. The group also included some women. Nearly 400 people also viewed the news conference via Facebook.

He said the group has already implemented the first step in the plan, which is to establish a conflict resolution hotline that young people can call to diffuse a violent situation that’s developing between individuals. He said the organization has someone on board who specializes in conflict resolution and encouraged people to call 706-413-2488.

The plan also calls for the National Joshua Generation to:

▪ Launch a “Restore the Village” initiative, where black men will go to troubled areas of Columbus and Phenix City on the first and third Fridays of each month (beginning this Friday) to develop relationships with young people living in troubled areas.

▪ Establish direct lines of communication with neighborhood “chiefs” who carry significant weight with rivaling groups.

▪ Meet with Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Columbus Council to request a comprehensive review of the overall effectiveness of the city’s crime prevention program.

▪ Meet with program directors at area radio stations to ask them to balance gangster rap with public service announcements, stating that the music is for entertainment purposes only and should not be emulated.

▪ Develop community hubs at local barbershops and beauty salons so young men and women can dialogue and gain access to various resources.

▪ Launch a summer job program where youths can earn money selling copies of black newspapers published by the group, the Nation of Islam and other organizations.

▪ Request that owners of liquors stores and other businesses reinvest in the black neighborhoods that support them.

Carter said the group will hold a “Brotherhood Experience” on April 30 at the Holiday Express at the 280 Bypass in Phenix City, where men will gather before going to public housing complexes in Columbus and Phenix City. For more information, call 706-289-9738.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 6:45 PM with the headline "Black male group rolls out plan to curb violence in community."